15.503
Notifications to unsuccessful offerors
FAR 15.503 requires prompt, detailed written notifications to unsuccessful offerors, ensuring transparency and fairness in federal contract competitions.
Overview
FAR 15.503 outlines the requirements for notifying unsuccessful offerors during the federal procurement process. It mandates both preaward and postaward notifications, ensuring transparency and fairness in competitive acquisitions. The section details when and how contracting officers must inform offerors that their proposals have been excluded from the competitive range or not selected for award, with special provisions for small business programs and set-asides.
Key Rules
- Preaward Notices of Exclusion
- Contracting officers must promptly notify offerors in writing when their proposals are excluded from the competitive range or eliminated from competition, stating the basis for exclusion and that no proposal revision will be considered.
- Preaward Notices for Small Business Programs
- Additional written notice is required for small business set-asides, HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, and women-owned small business programs, including the name of the apparently successful offeror and instructions regarding size/status challenges.
- Postaward Notices
- Within 3 days of contract award, contracting officers must notify unsuccessful offerors in the competitive range, providing specific information about the award and general reasons for non-selection, while protecting confidential information.
- Exceptions
- Preaward notices are not required in urgent situations or for contracts under the 8(a) program.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must issue timely, detailed notifications to unsuccessful offerors, adhere to special requirements for small business programs, and safeguard proprietary information.
- Contractors: Should review notifications for feedback and, if applicable, respond regarding size/status challenges.
- Agencies: Ensure compliance with notification procedures and maintain transparency in the procurement process.
Practical Implications
- This section promotes transparency and allows offerors to understand why they were not selected, supporting fair competition and potential protest rights. Failure to comply can result in protests or delays. Contractors should pay close attention to notifications for opportunities to challenge awards or improve future proposals.